So gum health is a wide range in the sense of there’s health, and then there’s a big spectrum of disease. Sometimes it’s early. Sometimes people are in what we call early periodontitis to advanced. So depending upon the stage that a person’s in is gonna dictate the treatment.
But the beginning treatment, of course, is the evaluation. We figure out exactly where you are, and then we can customize a treatment plan that’s gonna fit your specific needs, whatever you need to help you to get through that procedure. Then there is the surgical phase of treatment, which if the pockets are still deep, and there’s still infection and disease in there, we’re gonna recommend periodontal surgery, whether that be laser or conventional flap surgery.
Conventional flap surgery typically allows us to do bone grafting and what we call regenerative treatment. Once that treatment’s completed, then we have you come back usually twice a year for checkups and cleanings, and you see your general dentist twice a year for checkups and cleaning. That way, four sets of eyes are looking at you making sure you’re okay.
We’ll Solve Gum Problems, From Simple to Advanced
Depending on the condition of your mouth, he may recommend one or more of the following:
- Deep Cleaning Treatment – We can treat the early stages of gum disease with scaling and root planing. This deep cleaning procedure will restore your gum health.
- Laser Gum Therapy – Dr. Crawford will use a special laser to eliminate the infected gum tissue. It’s ideal for more advanced gum infections. There is minimal discomfort and faster healing with this cutting-edge technology.
- ClearCorrect Orthodontics – Crooked or misaligned teeth give bacteria more places to hide. Your periodontist may suggest this treatment to ensure the best possible outcome for your gum treatment. Straightening your teeth with these popular clear aligners takes less time than braces.
- Gum Recession Treatment – Using a special pinhole technique, your gum tissue is loosened and positioned to cover the recession. It doesn’t use any cutting or stitching. As a result, you’ll have minimal discomfort and less risk of post-operative infection.
- Gum Grafting – Dr. Crawford may suggest a grafting procedure for more serious gum recession. It uses tissue from a donor or from inside your mouth to restore your gumline.
- Bone Grafting – If your teeth have been impacted by bone loss following a periodontal infection, a bone graft procedure will encourage bone growth and help preserve your teeth.
Dr. Crawford also performs routine cleanings to keep gum disease from reoccurring. We’ll work with your dentist to determine the schedule for these follow-up visits.
If you are nervous about treatment, we go the extra mile to ensure your comfort. Soothing sedation is available for you if you need it. You can also relax in our heated massage chairs. We also have blankets, pillows, and noise-canceling headphones.
To learn more about gum disease treatment in St. Petersburg or to make an appointment, call 727-732-3173. You can also schedule online.
